News in brief

Scrap metal firm fined over chemical emissions

J&J Stanley was sentenced by Newcastle Magistrates on Tuesday (April 29), following an emission of chemical fumes from its site at Longrigg Road two years ago.

On April 29 2012, police and the fire service received reports of a strong chemical smell in the area. The odour resulted in the closure of nearby roads and residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut.

The Environment Agency tracked the source of the smell to a 10 tonne pile of aluminium waste which had been deposited in the companys yard. Investigators found the waste pile had been left uncovered and exposed to rainfall, which may have started the chemical reaction.

Sophie Webster, environment management team leader at the Agency, said: J&J Stanleys poor handling of its waste aluminium was the cause of the pollution, and as such this incident could have been avoided, had appropriate procedures been followed.
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, J&J Stanley declined to comment.

Dax seeks BATs for odour technology

Dax Airscience is seeking two waste companies to work in partnership with itself and the Environment Agency to raise awareness of its odour control technology.

The two chosen firms will form an exclusive partnership with Dax to achieve best available technique (BAT) for the technology, and ensure that its Odour Management Plan receives a positive outcome.

Dax claims that its odour control technology, which is certified by the Health Protection Agency, eliminates 98% of airborne pathogens with up to 59% of surface pathogens abolished in an hour. Clients include Powerday, Cawleys, Seneca and Viridor.

From this partnershop, Dax will offer each company a discounted rate for the technology and a commercial unit for treating 100m2.

William Tracey invests in new recycling fleet

The William Tracey Group has further expanded its recycling fleet with the investment of 250,000 in four new vehicles.

The new top loader Scania vehicles, supplied by waste vehicle specialists Terberg Matec have two compartments, enabling the William Tracey Group to collect both glass and food waste in a single visit.

As well as helping to control costs, reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions, William Tracey hopes the fleet will help its customers meet their obligation under Scotlands Zero Waste Regulations.

Robin Stevenson, managing director for non-hazardous waste at William Tracey Group, said: The William Tracey Group is committed to making zero waste a reality for all our customers. These vehicles are part of an overall investment in the region of 1 million to ensure that our customers are not only compliant with Scottish law but are also maximising the amount of material they recycle and divert from wasteful landfill.

Iain Gulland, director of Zero Waste Scotland, added: Im delighted to see such a significant investment from the William Tracey Group which will ensure that complying with the new waste regulations is as easy as possible for their customers.

Arjowiggins Graphic implements IS0 50001

Paper producer Arjowiggins Graphic has successfully implemented the IS0 50001 certified energy management system at its Greenfield de-inking plant and its Le Bourray, Wizernes and Besse mills.

Through the introduction of the system in line with the accreditation, Arjowiggins will develop a policy for more efficient energy use, data to better understand and make decisions about energy use and measure the results.

The firm has already achieved the ISO9001 Quality, ISO14001 Environment, and ISO18001 Health and Safety and FSCChain of Custody standards.

Agnes Roger, the firms chief executive, said: Mitigating the impact of our processes on the environment through efficient energy management is part of our industry strategy to integrate environmental issues into everything we do without sacrificing on quality.

By providing customers with the highest standard of recycled papers Arjowiggins Graphic is able to offer sustainable alternatives, helping to reduce our customers impact on the environment as well as that of our own business.

Recycling Lives wins second Queens Award

Charity firm Recycling Lives has been awarded a Queens Award for Sustainable Development the second time it has won the accolade since 2010.

On this occasion, the company scooped the prize for its recently launched Flat Panel Display recycling and employment project at HMP Kirkham.

Recycling Lives established a recycling centre within the prison, which integrated training and work experience opportunities. The charity offers prisoners a chance to secure supported accommodation and stable employment after release.

Commenting on the award, the firms founder and chief executive Steven Jackson, OBE, said: Were all incredibly proud here at Recycling Lives: to be recognised not once but twice by the Queens Awards for Enterprise is a huge honour.

For years, Recycling Lives has sought to develop effective and creative solutions to recycling and waste management challenges that prioritise not only environmental sustainability, but social and economic sustainability as well.